Dambusters raids remembered by German visitors

The mayor of a German district bombed in the Dambusters raids has attended an event to mark the anniversary of the mission.

Maria Mortiz was among a group of visitors from Möhnesee, where hundreds of civilians died in the attack 81 years ago, who took part in events in Lincolnshire.

Launched from RAF Scampton on the nights of 16 and 17 May 1943 the raids targeted dams in the Ruhr Valley.

Ms Mortiz said the visit, aimed at fostering friendship between communities in Germany and the UK, had been "very emotional".

Two dams, the Mohne and Eder, were destroyed. The bombing caused the deaths of 1,600 civilians and 53 RAF crew members lost their lives.

On Saturday the group visited International Bomber Command Centre near Lincoln where a memorial stone was dedicated.

On Sunday they attended a service to commemorate those affected by the raids.

Ms Mortiz, said: "Being here today and witnessing the laying of the stone has been very emotional.

"It's very important to have events like this because it just shows how important friendship is and what friendship can accomplish.

“It's very important to never stop doing this and we'll still be doing this for the time to come,” she added.

Also travelling with the group was Elke Husemann who said: “It’s about history, but more importantly, it’s about future and peace.”

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